Relationship with Light

Relationship with Light

Fig 33 | Light reflecting off the water (Author’s Own, 2020)

As can be seen from figure 33, natural lighting is a significant characteristic within a pool environment that contributes to the perception of space and atmosphere as well as having the ability to connect with nature and outside. Supporting the values of personal experience and respondent C, who states that they ‘love how the light shines into the pool and makes the water sparkle and glisten’, it can be identified that natural lighting has the ability to light ‘materials and surfaces systematically’ (Zumthor, 2006, pg. 59). The pool of water catches the light which is reflected throughout the space highlighting features and creating a soothing atmosphere. It can also be seen that through the research, the morning sun has the power to cast shadows in and through the water which in turn creates bright and warm zones but also cold and dark spaces which can be uninviting, further adding to the experience of being in water, as can been seen in figure 35.

Relationship with Light

Light is viewed through the sense of sight. Within architecture, all five of the senses are considered to be significant, however the sense of sight is particularly dominant. According to MerleauPonty’s philosophy, it is the relationship between vision and touch that provides a sensation of spatial depth and experience. (Pallasmaa, 2012) ‘The hands want to see, the eyes want to caress’ (Pallasmaa, 2012, pg. …..)In this case, light shines through the water droplets which fall off the palm of the hand. The droplets return into the silky-smoothness of the water, creating a mixture of sensations for the mind and skin. The overwhelming sensation of feeling, touching and seeing the incredible volume of liquid, ultimately improves health and wellbeing.

Fig 34 | Water droplets glistening through the light (Author’s Own, 2020)